Fitchburg Animal Shelter no longer taking in animals

Saturday

Jun 14, 2014 at 9:00 PM

By George Barnes TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

FITCHBURG — In the wake of an investigation by the state Department of Agricultural Resources into the euthanization of a dog, the Fitchburg Animal Shelter is no longer accepting animals and is "closed for all practical purposes," according to a city official.

Mayor Lisa Wong said Public Works Director Lenny Laakso ordered that no more animals be accepted at the shelter while the city investigates possibly contracting out its shelter services, rather than running a city-owned shelter.

The state has been investigating a decision to euthanize a dog at the shelter in April. The concern raised was whether the shelter waited enough time before putting down the animal.

Mr. Laakso said he did not order the shelter closed. There were 13 dogs there at the time he issued the order not to accept any more animals. He said the employees at the shelter were told to keep caring for the animals.

"The employees decided it was in the best interest of the dogs that they be sent elsewhere," he said.

Mr. Laakso said 12 of the dogs were transferred to other shelters, but one quarantined animal remains in the Fitchburg shelter.

"As a result, the shelter is now 'closed' for all practical purposes, but a final decision has not been made on its fate," Mr. Laakso said.

Mr. Laakso said there have been some recent incidents that caused him to question whether it is in the best interest of the city to take on the liability that comes with sheltering and adopting dogs that have had difficult lives.

He said the issues raised with the euthanization of the dog were of concern, as was liability exposure faced by the city from volunteers being bitten, adopters being bitten, dogs getting hurt in fights and other issues.

He said adopting out dogs that have had difficult lives can be unpredictable.

"Other municipalities have contracted out this service, and we need to take a serious look at this and determine whether this would be a better approach for all concerned," he said.

Mr. Laakso said the shelter workers and volunteers are passionate about their work and did their best for the animals under difficult circumstances.

"I admire their dedication and their willingness to spend time at the shelter even on holidays and during snowstorms to care for the animals," he said. "Many of the animals were neglected, abused, malnourished and abandoned. The shelter gave many of these dogs a second chance, showing them tender loving care and placing them in better homes."

Contact George Barnes at george.barnes@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgebarnesTG